On ‘shrooms: The Global Evolution of Fulldome Festivals

27. January 2025
People warching fulldome film

“Watching fulldome cinema feels like being on psychedelic substances”—this striking observation from a recent The Guardian article highlights the powerful immersive effect of fulldome experiences. Unlike traditional cinema, where the audience remains an external observer, fulldome films fully envelop viewers, creating a sensory-rich environment that can feel almost hallucinogenic. The Dome Under Film Festival in Melbourne, held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, is a testament to how fulldome cinema is moving beyond niche audiences and into the mainstream.

Fulldome Cinema: A New Dimension of Filmmaking

Fulldome films differ fundamentally from traditional cinema. Instead of a rectangular screen, the visuals extend onto a dome-shaped surface, almost completely surrounding the audience. Originating in planetariums, this technique enables immersive experiences that transport viewers to distant worlds—whether deep beneath the ocean or into infinite space. Notably, fulldome cinema is no longer limited to scientific and educational content but is increasingly used for artistic and narrative storytelling. In particular, the medium has become a platform for psychedelic and esoteric themes, designed to evoke altered states of consciousness and introspection.

The Expansion of Fulldome Festivals

While early fulldome productions primarily focused on scientific and planetarium-based content, festivals worldwide are now embracing the format for creative and narrative filmmaking. Renowned festivals such as Dome Fest West in the USA, the Jena Fulldome Festival in Germany, and the SATE Immersive Storytelling Festival are pushing boundaries, featuring experimental and artistic content beyond the traditional scope of planetarium productions. Additionally, growing initiatives across Asia and the Middle East are further establishing fulldome art as an independent form of immersive storytelling.

A growing trend in these festivals is the inclusion of psychological and esoteric themes, inspired by experiences such as Mesmerica, a fulldome show created by Grammy-nominated musician James Hood. Featuring hypnotic 3D-animated visuals and ambient music, it provides audiences with a meditative and stress-relieving journey. This shift reflects a broader cultural interest in consciousness exploration and holistic experiences, with fulldome environments offering a unique space for such explorations. The increasing attention from mainstream media outlets further signals that these themes are no longer confined to niche audiences but are becoming a recognized aspect of contemporary immersive storytelling.

At the prestigious Venice Film Festival, immersive media has also gained significant recognition. The festival’s VR exhibition on Lazaretto Island has become a key venue for cutting-edge virtual reality and fulldome experiences, showcasing groundbreaking works that blend cinema, art, and technology. This inclusion at one of the world’s most respected film festivals highlights how immersive storytelling, including fulldome content, is becoming an essential component of modern visual culture.

Technological Advancements Driving the Medium Forward

Advancements in projection technologies, LED domes, and immersive sound systems continue to expand the possibilities of fulldome films. A significant game-changer is the rise of modular LED dome systems, such as those developed by Frontpictures, which can be deployed beyond planetariums to event venues and festivals. Meanwhile, Sandwich.vision is pioneering virtual fulldome environments, making the experience accessible without the need for physical domes.

The impact of large-scale immersive environments, such as the Sphere in Las Vegas, is also reshaping the industry. With its cutting-edge LED screen technology and massive-scale immersive visuals, it has set a new standard for dome-based entertainment. This development influences not only physical fulldomes but also the demand for immersive content production globally. The Sphere has demonstrated how large-scale immersive environments can create experiences that go beyond traditional cinema, blending technology, live performance, and full-surround visuals.

At the same time, consumer-accessible headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest are expanding the reach of immersive media. The intersection of fulldome storytelling and VR headsets allows for dual usability of fulldome content, significantly increasing accessibility and scalability for immersive experiences. As these devices improve, the boundaries between physical and virtual fulldomes will continue to blur, making immersive storytelling more widespread than ever before.

A Look into the Future

The increasing interest in immersive media and the expanding number of festivals indicate that fulldome cinema has established itself as a distinct art form. The question is no longer whether these formats will succeed but how they will continue to evolve. With a growing number of filmmakers embracing the technology and expanding festival networks, immersive storytelling is becoming a central component of the media landscape.

Fulldome festivals, such as the Dome Under Film Festival in Melbourne, serve as proof that immersive media are pushing the boundaries of cinematic experiences and unlocking new creative possibilities. The incorporation of psychological and esoteric themes, coupled with rapid technological advances, suggests that fulldome storytelling is evolving into an artistic and experiential form that resonates deeply with audiences. As mainstream media coverage increases, it is clear that fulldome content is no longer a futuristic experiment but a fundamental part of modern storytelling. The recognition of immersive experiences at prestigious festivals like Venice further reinforces this trend. For businesses and creatives working with immersive media, these platforms offer the perfect opportunity to explore the full potential of this technology and shape the future of storytelling.